The 45-90 Letterbox
 
Terrain: Easy
Difficulty: Easy
Placed: November 1, 2003
By: The Dragon
Location: 
Marathon County, WI
Nearest town:
Poniatowski, WI

Dragon's Home Page
This letterbox was placed at the point in Wisconsin that is the exact center of both the western and northern hemispheres!  It is an addition to the many 45th parallel letterboxes started by Matt the Rat (who may place a 45th parallel stamp inside this box as well).  Visit Matt's site for more information about the 45th parallel and this spot in particular.  Although there was a bar (Gesicki's) in Poniatowski that kept a record of visitors to this geographical location, the bar's proprietor has since retired and closed the bar although it still stands.  You may visit the T & C Pub in the town instead.

Update: The visitors book has been moved to the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Visitors Center in Rothschild (exit 185 off Hwy 51), open M-F 8-5 and weekends 9-5. And they provide commemorative coin souvenirs for 45th Parallel tourists as well!

Clues:

Take County U west out of Poniatowski, WI about a half mile to Meridian Road.  Go north on Meridian Road about a quarter mile to the spot.  You should be able to spot the posted sign on the right side of the road.   (Note: There are road signs that point the way as well.)  Park in the lot and stand at the center of the northern and western hemispheres!

When you are finished, walk along the outside of the fence enclosure to the NE corner.  (Try to leave no trace!)  At that corner on the outside of the fence there is a cairn of rocks just to the east of the NE post hopefully buried by the brush.  You should find the letterbox under the rocks.  After stamping up, make sure that the cairn is built back up, and spread some grass and leaves on it to make it un-noticeable and/or make sure the brush still covers it. Again, please try to leave no trace to the box so the cairn is not unintentionally discovered.  Also note that there are some large "distracter" rocks near the cairn.  Thanks!
 

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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